LOUISVILLE, Ky.—In a situation that would test even a veteran team, the young Bellarmine University women's basketball squad gutted out a 92-81 overtime victory over Lake Erie College behind 23 points and 14 rebounds from Lauren Jones.

The Knights showed their youth early , commiting five turnovers in the game's first four minutes, which led to an early lead by Lake Erie. Both teams were plagued by first half turnovers as Bellarmine committed 14 while Lake Erie had 16 in the first 20 minutes.

The Knights settled down as the game progressed and ran their offense more effeciently, which led to multiple free throw opportunities. Bellarmine couldn't take full advantage, however, going just 15-22 from the charity stripe in the first half.

Coach David Smith expected growing pains for this team. “For most of the game we had two freshmen and a sophomore out there.  The free throws and turnovers are just part of growing up,”  Smith said.

Behind Jones's seven points and nine rebounds Bellarmine took a 37-31 lead into intermission.

Both teams played more efficiently in the second period. Bellarmine (1-0) used a barrage of three pointers to build a 64-55 lead after a three pointer by freshman Therese Montano with just over 10 minutes to play.

The veteran Storm (1-1) battled back and owned a 77-76 lead with just over 30 seconds left to play and the ball. The Knights buckled down and forced Lake Erie into a turnover.

With the ball and down one, Coach Smith put the ball into the hands of another freshman, Kylee Hamilton, who took the ball to the basket and drew a foul with just seven seconds left. After missing the first one, Hamilton sank the second to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, it was all Bellarmine as the Knights outscored the Storm 15-4 in the extra period. Hamilton hit four free throws down the stretch to ice the game for the Knights.

“I thought we competed throughout the game. When you compete and play hard, good things will happen.” Smith said. “They are a quality team, and to get a victory like this will only help with our growth and development.”

Jones's 23 led five Knights in double figures as Allison Mathies (19), Montano (15), Hamilton (15), and Jalissa Chatlos (13) also hit double figures. 

The Knights return to action tomorrow as they face the University of Charleston at 7:30 p.m. in day two of the United Electric/MetroMedical Solutions Tip-Off Classic. Charleston defeated Northern Kentucky University today 48-46.

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